1. The tour of Mont Pourri
Level : Difficult
Duration : 4 days
Distance : 36 km
Elevation gain : 2 500 m
CThis challenging trek around Mont Pourri takes you through lush alpine meadows and glacial moraines, offering breathtaking views of glaciers. Ideal for experienced hikers, this circuit offers full immersion in the high mountains, with diverse landscapes from alpine forests to vast rocky expanses.
- Day 1 : Les Arcs 2000 to Refuge du Mont Pourri
Walking time : 2h45
Elevation gain : +450 m / -200 m - Day 2 : Refuge du Mont Pourri to Refuge de la Martin
Walking time : 6h30
Elevation gain : +1.100 m / -900 m - Day 3 : Refuge de la Martin to Refuge de Turia
Walking time : 4h
Elevation gain : +800 m / -550 m - Day 4 : Refuge de Turia to Les Arcs 2000
Walking time : 3h30 - 4h
Elevation gain : +220 m / -600 m
2. The five Lakes
Level : Difficult
Duration : 6 à 7 hours
Distance : 19 km
Elevation gain : 1 260 m
Starting point : Les Échines Dessus
This beautiful loop trail in the heart of Vanoise National Park takes you to five high-altitude lakes. Each lake offers exceptionally pure, emerald-green water, set against a spectacular mountain backdrop. You’ll pass through varied landscapes, from granite rocks and alpine meadows to sparse forests.
Lakes you’ll encounter :
- Lake Esola (2 320 m)
- Lake Riondet (2 450 m)
- Lake Cornu (2 460 m)
- Lake Verdet (2 470 m)
- Lake Noir (2 540 m)
3. La Grande Sassière
Level : Difficult
Duration : 7 à 8 hours
Distance : 11 km round trip
Elevation gain : 1 500 m
Starting point : Saut Dam parking lot - Tignes
The ascent of La Grande Sassière (3,747 m) is a major challenge for seasoned hikers. From the summit, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding massifs and shimmering glaciers. This demanding hike takes place at high altitude, offering lunar landscapes and a unique atmosphere. In clear weather, the panorama extends to Mont Blanc.
4. The Green Lake Loop
Level : Easy
Duration : 1h30
Distance : 3,4 km round trip
Elevation gain : 209 m
Starting point : Plagne Centre (Parachute Drop Memorial)
Perfect for families, this short hike leads to Green Lake, a charming high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains. The trail is easy and well-marked, with frequent viewpoints of the surrounding peaks—ideal for a relaxing nature outing.
5. Le Col du Palet
Level : Medium
Duration : 2-3 hours
Distance : 8 km round trip
Elevation gain : 550 m
Starting point : Tignes
This hike from Tignes leads to the Col du Palet, a pass offering a spectacular view of the Vanoise glaciers. The trail winds through alpine pastures and high-altitude lakes, providing beautiful viewpoints throughout the route.
6. The Tour of the Grande Casse
Level : Difficult
Duration : 5 days
Distance : 60 km
Elevation gain : 3 290 m
The Tour of the Grande Casse, the highest peak of the Vanoise massif (3,855 m), is a legendary high-mountain hike. This 5-day circuit takes you through varied landscapes—glaciers, alpine meadows, and high-altitude lakes—offering total immersion in the wild Alps. Each night is spent in a mountain hut, where you can rest while admiring the starry skies.
- 1st night : Refuge du Col du Palet
- 2nd night : Refuge de la Leisse
- 3rd night : Refuge du Col de la Vanoise
- 4th night : Refuge du Grand Bec
7. The Col de la Leisse
Level : Medium
Duration : 6-7 hours
Distance : 18 km round trip
Elevation gain : 950 m
Starting point : Tignes - Val Claret
This hike leads you deep into the wild valleys of the Vanoise, up to the Refuge de la Leisse. The route crosses vast alpine landscapes, with breathtaking views of the glaciers and surrounding peaks—ideal for a long hike with an overnight stay in the mountains.
8. The Bottomless Lake
Level : Easy
Duration : 2 hours
Distance : 5 km round trip
Elevation gain : 300 m
Starting point : Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard
Starting from Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, this easy hike leads to Bottomless Lake. From here, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Mont Blanc massif, Beaufortain, and Vanoise ranges. The setting is perfect for a tranquil escape, surrounded by majestic mountains.
9. The Lake of the Sassière
Level : Easy
Duration : 1-2 hours
Distance : 7 km round trip
Elevation gain : 350 m
Starting point : Parking du barrage du Saut - Tignes
This easy hike leads to Lake Sassière, a stunning high-altitude lake with clear waters. Perfect for families and photographers, the trail offers splendid views of the surrounding mountains, remaining accessible to all.
10. The Tour of Mont Jovet
Level : Medium
Duration : 6-7 hours
Distance : 13 km
Elevation gain : 1 000 m
Starting point : Alpine village of La Cour (8 km from Bozel
This circuit around Mont Jovet offers panoramic views of the Tarentaise Valley and Mont Blanc. The trail crosses alpine meadows and forests, offering a nice variety of landscapes. It’s a complete hike, ideal for hikers looking for a moderate challenge.
Conclusion
The Tarentaise Valley is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Its trails, suitable for all levels, allow you to discover the wild beauty of the Alps, from peaceful lakes and majestic glaciers to soaring peaks. Whether you seek tranquility or adventure, these hikes promise unforgettable moments in the heart of the Savoie mountains.